After a disappointing start to the tournament, Pakistan would like to get their ICC World T20 campaign back on track when they meet the mighty Australians in a group league encounter here tomorrow.
Mohammed Hafeez and his boys would like to quickly forget the humiliating defeat against arch-rivals India yesterday and pose a serious challenge for a very quality Australian side led by George Bailey at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
Another slip-up might just end Pakistan's chances in the marquee event but they will try and gain confidence from the fact that their record against Australia in T20 Internationals is quite impressive.
That's the reason, Bailey spoke about getting the momentum straightaway with a win.
"It's nice to start with a win. In a tournament like this, momentum is really important. Starting with a win gets you off and running. Without being great at mathematics, I don't think you can drop that many games. I think you can only lose one or two to not get through. The more we win, the better it is. There is no doubt about that," Bailey said at the pre-match press conference here today.
Pakistan's chief coach Moin Khan also knows the consequence of one more defeat.
"Whenever any team loses the first match of the tournament, chances of winning is greatly reduced. This is now a very important game for us. If we have to survive in this tournament, we have to win this game.
"However, we must remember that in this format to play consistently is very difficult. I don't believe any team will enter the final by playing consistently," the former Pakistan wicketkeeper said.
"They (Australia) are a good side and we have to now be at our best. After losing the first match, we can't afford to slip now. Australians play with a great attitude and it will be a tough match," Moin added.
